October 25, 2023

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Election of MAGA Extremist Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) issued the below statement on the election of Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-04) to Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

“After over three weeks of infighting, the GOP showed their true colors today by surrendering to the extreme factions of their party and elevating an election denier to one of the most powerful positions in government. 

“Let’s be clear: I will work with anyone to get critical protections for working people passed. But I can’t celebrate the appointment of someone who was a key architect of the January 6th strategy to overturn the 2020 election and undermine our democracy—or someone who rejects climate change, commonsense gun reform, and abortion rights. His extremist views are dangerous, destructive, and divisive.

“While Republicans double down on the dysfunctional MAGA extremism corroding our democracy, my Democratic colleagues and I remain focused on the American people and the issues facing them—from housing to child care and food costs—and ensuring that the government stays open so that the services our communities rely on continue without interruption. I hope we can find bipartisan common ground as Democrats put people over politics.”